Brazil optimistic of lifting Copa America without Neymar

After Brazil beat Venezuela 2-1 on Sunday to advance into the quarter-final meeting with Paraguay, Brazil coach Dunga said his team would find a way to win at the Copa America without Neymar who has been banned for four matches after being sent off during Wednesday’s game against Colombia.

Venezuela has never beaten Brazil in six Copa America games and their job was made all the harder after just nine minutes.

Thiago Silva opened the scoring in spectacular style when he volleyed home a corner from former Real Madrid striker Robinho. Firmino doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when he leapt to volley home a cross from Willian on the left.

Dunga said his strategy against Venezuela’s aerial style of play was to put his tallest players in the field and have his players use speed against the La Vinotinto.

“The aerial ball was the only option they (Venezuela) had. I had to put the tallest players in to have that advantage, and come out with speed on the counter-attack and we didn’t achieve it because it was still a bit in the middle and that resulted in Venezuela growing. Out intent was mainly to neutralize their aerial ball,” he said.

Nicolas Fedor got a consolation goal for Venezuela six minutes from time when he stooped to head home from close range after Jefferson had touched a free kick from Juan Arango onto the post.

But the five-time world champions Brazil were able to control the match without captain Neymar who was dismissed at the end of Brazil’s defeat by Colombia for his part in a fracas after the final whistle and his behaviour after he was sent off the field.

Dunga admitted that the loss of the striker was a huge loss, but said that his team could win without him who, along with Argentina’s Lionel Messi, was the biggest name in the entire tournament.

“Neymar is needed in any team. When you don’t have him, it’s unfortunate but you have to find a solution,” he said, adding that most of the matches have been close, except those played by Chile.

Playing ‘aerial’ games

“Now, the Copa America is difficult. If you see all the games, most have a difference of only one goal with the exception of Chile which achieved supremacy, not like the rest (of the teams) who define the match later,” he said.

The victory completed the quarter-final line up that will see hosts Chile face Uruguay on Wednesday, Peru take on Bolivia on Thursday, and Colombia line up against Argentina on Friday.

Saturday’s tie between Brazil and Paraguay will be a repeat of four years ago when the Paraguayans advanced on penalties.

Dunga praised Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz and predicted that his players would be ready to win.

“Now the players have to recover as best as they can to face Paraguay that is also a very difficult team that plays a very aerial game, strong game. Their coach, Ramon Diaz, is very tactical. So we are ready for the next game, the players have to recover,” he said.

Sunday’s result takes Brazil’s goal-scoring record against Venezuela in the Copa America to 27 goals for to two against.

Venezuela coach Noel Sanvicente said he was sad about being eliminated and thought his team waited too long to show Brazil what they were made of.

“I’m sad because we’re out and we didn’t play an excellent match but, unfortunately, matches are won with goals and we weren’t clear in our last metres against Brazil think we needed a bit more clarity to finish the play, to make them (Brazil) worry; in the last minutes, when the end started, I think Brazil started to worry but it was a bit late,” he said.

The victory completed the quarter-final line up that will see hosts Chile face Uruguay on Wednesday, Peru take on Bolivia on Thursday, and Colombia line up against Argentina on Friday.